While the standard originated in Germany, it is widely taught in European universities and deeply embedded in multinational engineering supply chains (such as automotive giants like Volkswagen, BMW, and Siemens).
The standard divides all manufacturing processes into (Hauptgruppen) [4]. Each group represents a specific fundamental approach to changing the shape, form, or state of a material. 1. Primary Shaping (Urformen)
Material cohesion is maintained, but the atomic structure is permanently shifted using force.
Removing material from a solid body to change its shape. Din 8580 English Pdf
The standard divides the main group “cutting” (ON 3) into different subgroups, including separation by mechanical tools (e.g., die-cutting) and ablation (e.g., laser cutting).
If you are a student at a technical university (e.g., RWTH Aachen, TU Munich, ETH Zurich) or an employee of a large automotive or machinery company, your institution may already have a site license. Check your internal library portal or document management system. Many universities provide free PDF downloads of DIN standards to enrolled students.
Weaknesses / Limitations
DIN 8580 is the foundational document for a broader series of standards that provide more detailed information. The standard references several specialized follow-up standards that apply the same classification principles to specific fields:
is the fundamental standard for Manufacturing Technology (Fertigungsverfahren). It classifies all manufacturing processes into six main groups. It is widely considered the "backbone" of manufacturing engineering in German-speaking countries and is often referenced in mechanical engineering courses and industry globally.
When reading the English PDF, pay attention to the section – it aligns German terms with English equivalents. This is invaluable when translating old German technical drawings or equipment manuals. While the standard originated in Germany, it is
DIN 8580 is the foundational German standard for classifying manufacturing processes. It serves as a taxonomic backbone for how we describe cutting, forming, joining, coating, and other material-changing operations. Whether you are a student writing a thesis on production technology, a quality manager implementing ISO 9001, or a purchasing agent verifying supplier capabilities, accessing the is often a critical first step.
Changing the internal properties of a material through thermal or chemical processes without changing its shape. Hardening, annealing, magnetizing. Accessing the Full Document